“Even the fact that you are harmonized and fully aligned with the EU’s foreign and security policy is truly fantastic,” she added.

“However, I hope that today parliament will ratify both agreements, which are crucial for providing Albania 1 billion euros—part in loans and part in grants. This will ensure the completion of all necessary reforms for Albania and prepare the country for EU membership. This is the primary objective of the growth plan, which is a key part of the gradual integration process, and you are making excellent progress,” said Kos.

“You have said in the past that candidate countries, before becoming members, should be part of the EU through various networks, such as SEPA, green corridors, and the growth plan. What has truly impressed me is your reputation for hospitality, kindness, and warmth, which I had heard about before, but now I have experienced it myself. It’s not just about how I was welcomed, but how you welcomed the College of Europe right here in Tirana,” Kos continued.

“Thus, it is about regional and youth cooperation. You organized the Balkan Summit in 2022, the Berlin Process summit last year, and the European Political Community Summit, which will be held this May. You have been very successful and also brought the under-21 football organization, which will take place in 2027. What you are doing is truly fantastic, it’s monumental, but we all know that the focus will be on the implementation of reforms,” said the EU Enlargement Commissioner. /j.p/sm/